Mable Maria Moran

Sadly, we announce the passing of Mable Maria Moran, age 92 at Lions Gate Hospital on December 29, 2021. Mable was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt. She is survived by her daughters Paddy (Howard), Leah and Tara, sister Svea, 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and many other extended family. She was predeceased by her son Brent, brother Ejlert, and husband of 66 years Jim, in 2017.

Mable was born March 1st, 1929 in Mallairdville, BC to Finnish parents and was the youngest of three. She graduated from TJ Trapp High School where she also met her future husband, Jim. After graduating she was employed as a secretary at the BC Electric Company, where she was known to take excellent shorthand. She also landed a modelling stint at the Bay which complimented her lovely legs.

Mable and Jim married in 1950 and five years later started a family. In 1957, they moved to Calgary and became members of the Calgary Winter Club. It was there that Mable found her calling in aquatics and by the age of 40 had earned multiple Royal Life Saving Society awards, including the extremely difficult Distinction Award with Honours - quite a feat!

In 1970, the family moved back to BC, first to Lions Bay then to North Vancouver. Mable's keen interest in aquatics continued and led to a long career as a synchronized swim instructor, coach and judge at provincial, national and international levels, until her retirement at age 70. Along the way she held the position of Judge's Chair and was the recipient of the Canada Artistic Swimming Presidents Pin Award (2008). Also, in her honour an annual swim competition was named the "Mable Moran Regional Championships". Additonally, Mable gained wide recognition as a Red Cross swim instructor, lifeguard and pool supervisor with the North Vancouver Recreation Commission; a 24-year career that she thoroughly loved.

Upon retirement Mable and Jim enjoyed extensive travels, many with their daughters. Some of their favourites included Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Hawaii and Palm Desert, as well as multiple cruises. Mable also enjoyed quiet times spent at home with Jim and their pets, most recently Molly, Tomassina and Makena.

Mable made friends easily and the friendships she established lasted throughout her lifetime. Monthly "Club" luncheons with her high school girlfriends continued for over 65 years! Mable enjoyed a number of activities including bowling (as featured on the cover of Bay Builders magazine, 1948), cycling, dancing and walks at Ambleside. She also enjoyed needlepoint, knitting, sewing, drawing and had an interest in fashion. Her baking was always in demand and many looked forward to her homemade cookies.

Mable was a remarkable woman; warm and inviting, open minded and supportive. She loved social gatherings and was never shy to introduce herself to guests. She had a great sense of humour and always maintained a positive attitude. This allowed her to accept life's ups and downs, believing that "things will always work out". She showed great wisdom and supported her family through every challenge, loving them unconditionally.

Strong, independent, stubborn and feisty, this was our mom. After suffering a horrific fall in 2020, Mable's strong will, determination and resilience allowed her to pull through and return home from hospital, supported by family, friends, neighbours and the Home Care community. To her, home was best! She loved her home and the street she lived on and even during her last, brief hospitalization fought hard and remained hopeful until the end.

Our mom, who embraced life to the fullest and lived it well. Little lady, Big life. We miss you everyday mom.

Love you lots,

Your daughters.

The family would like to thank the staff of ER (acute), 5 East and the Palliative Care Unit at Lions Gate Hospital and, in particular, Dr Taylor for the excellent care and treatment Mable received while there in December. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A private viewing was held on January 10th, 2022. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.